Wind energy in Philippines – Ilocos Norte?s wind farm

The wind farm in the northern tip of Bangui in Ilocos Norte is also a model of renewable energies in Southeast Asia. Composed of 15 wind turbines, each standing 70 meters or equal to the height of a 23-storey building, the wind farm has been feeding seven megawatts (MW) to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative through the Luzon grid. The power generated is equivalent to 40 percent of the province’s power requirement.

Under an energy sales agreement between Inec and Northwind, a seven percent discount on prevailing rates of generation company Transco is extended to the power cooperative.

The power delivery by Northwind to Inec was put on hold beginning 2010 while Northwind and Inec irons out a kink in their contract.

Inec, which has a total power requirement of 26MW, continues to buy its remaining power requirement from generation companies and the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM).

The Department of Energy (DOE) had launched the first-ever national renewable energy program (NREP) in its goal to attain energy self-sufficiency, security and environmental sustainability.

The program is in line with Republic Act 9513 or the Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which mandates the full development and use of the country’s renewable energy resources.

NREP is anchored on the agency’s energy reform agenda, which aims to provide a sustainable energy plan, seeks to maximize the RE potential estimated at more than 200,000 MW and translate clean energy opportunities into long-term benefits.

It is also expected that RE will be recognized as a vital part of a long-term strategy and integrated approach for growth and poverty alleviation.

“As such, aside from the large investments and hundred-megawatt projects, equal importance should be given to small projects that will improve the lives of remote or poor communities,” according to the NREP agenda.

It was noted that country’s RE potentials, estimated at more than 200,000 megawatts, will help achieve energy security and provide clean energy for consumers.

www.pia.gov.ph